Dogs can get two different kinds of mange.
Both are treatable but an accurate diagnosis is required before treating.
| By: Dr. Wes Borgman Gary Ford of Kissimmee rescued a Bull Mastiff puppy from a rescue
organization several months ago. The puppy looked healthy and Ford
named him Tyson after his favorite fighter. Over the next few months
Tyson developed patch of scaly skin on the top of his head. "Tyson
looked like a homeless dog because the disease had taken over so
much" said Ford. After a medical history, physical examination, and
microscopic test the veterinarian said Tyson had demodectic mange.
Redness, scaly skin, and hair loss in dogs can be a sign of mange.
Mange is a parasitic skin disease caused by microscopic mites. Two
different mange mites cause skin disease in dogs. Although both mites
share some similar characteristics, it is important not to confuse the
two types of mange because they have different causes, treatments, and
one can even be passed to humans. The two types are demodectic mange,
caused by caused by the mite Demodex canis sometimes just called
"demodex". Sarcoptic mange is caused by infestation of the mite,
Sarcoptes scabiei, sometimes called scabies.
For puppies between the ages of 3 and 6 months usually get demodex and
the prognosis is usually good. In adult dogs demodex may also be
easily treated but the chances are higher that demodex is an indicator
of an underlying and more severe medical problem and more extensive
tests may be required.
Dogs with sarcoptic mange were usually exposed to other dogs with skin
problems two-to-six weeks before the sarcoptic mange developed. False
negative results are common when sarcoptic mange skin scrapings are
tested under the microscope. Since it frequently is difficult to find
the mange mites on the dog, the pet will be treated for sarcoptic
mange based on the veterinarian's suspicion. Sarcoptic mange is highly
contagious. Roaming dogs and dogs living outside are potential
carriers of the disease. The dog can be exposed to sarcoptic mange
mites at shelters or kennels and during visits to grooming facilities.
The sarcoptic mange mite can be transmitted to humans that come into
contact with a dog infested with sarcoptes. People who come in close
contact with an affected dog may develop an itchy rash with small
raised bumps on their arms, chest, or abdomen. Any affected person
should contact a physician regarding possible treatment.
Fortunately Tyson had the non-contagious form of mange. Tyson is now
taking an oral medication once a day and he is responding well to the
treatment. "After 4 days on being on the medication the skin started
to dry out it, it was like a wonder drug" said Ford. The hair has
grown back but Tyson is still taking the medication. In a few weeks
Tyson will have another microscopic exam and if he get a clean bill of
health they will be able to stop the medication and Tyson should be
cured.
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Dr. Wes Borgman is the veterinarian and owner of the Seminole Animal
Hospital in Sanford. He can be reached at 407-330-7387.
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